Michigan State guard Travis Trice has rare March freshness after early season injuries

If Michigan State needs fresh legs at the point, sophomore Travis Trice may have exactly what they're looking for. AP Photo

When it's win or go home time, conservation of energy gets thrown out the window.

But for Michigan State sophomore guard Travis Trice, there happens to be a little more left in the tank.

Trice missed two substantial chunks of the season this year due to concussions. After his first concussion in Michigan State's opening game against Connecticut at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, Trice was forced to sit for five games (Kansas, Texas Southern, Boise State, Oakland and Louisiana-Lafayette).

Then, on January 31 against Illinois, Trice suffered his second concussion of the season. That time, his recovery forced him to sit out four Big Ten games (Minnesota, at Purdue, Michigan and at Nebraska).

Michigan State's caution when it came to Trice's recovery timetable is understandable in a age of heightened awareness to the dangers of concussions. The missed time was frustrating for everyone involved, especially Travis. But now, in the midst of the Spartans' postseason run, the Spartans could benefit from some fresh legs at the point.

On Monday night, long after practice had ended, he alone was still working.

"I think a little bit of both," Trice said when asked if his extra time in the gym was more one-and-done or fresh -egged fueled. "I didn't think I shot too well today, so I was like, I got to get some extra ones up.

"I feel really good to be honest with you."

Still, his coach - along with those at home - have learned to cringe every time Travis hits the deck. Something he says he no longer worries about.

"I think I've already worked it out," Trice said. "I mean, early on, you're like that, but after being out for so long, you just keep playing, you don't worry about it."

Mix in the spotlight of a Sweet 16 match-up with the Blue Devils, and no one's holding anything back.

"Duke, North Carolina and Louisville, any time you throw out those names, those are big time names," Trice said. "It doesn't get any bigger than this.

"I remember watching Jason Williams. I mean, he's one of the all-time greats. I remember J.J. Reddick. It's hard not to be a fan of Duke if you're a basketball nut. But right now, we got a chance to beat 'em, so that's what I'm looking forward to."

In order to put together something special in March, everyone has to give all that they have left. In Trice's case, that could be a lot.